Chapter: 1492
To him, Sanshou, no matter how skilled one is, is just a type of external martial art that's talked about in traditional martial arts.
It's common knowledge that, as long as one practices physical strength and skills, they're just an external martial artist who excels at using qi and inner power to drive their entire body, whereas only a true internal martial artist can use their inner power to mobilize the whole body.
However, there are countless people practicing martial arts around the world, including even three-year-old children learning Taekwondo, which makes them all practitioners of martial arts. But among these many people, one in a million is able to truly harness their qi and inner power.
Yamamoto Ichio was an external martial artist with extraordinary physical qualities - his muscles, bones, and explosive power were far superior to those of ordinary people.
However, in front of a true internal martial master, Yamamoto Ichio was almost no match for him.
The reason why an external martial artist like Yamamoto Ichio could win awards at international competitions is that internal martial masters simply don't care about participating in such events.
If one compares this kind of competition to a singing show like a good voice program, then internal martial masters would be world-class superstars who can sing with the level of Pavarotti.
Even if he reached Pavarotti's height, let alone participating in competitions, but rather becoming a mentor, it would be an insult to his identity and status in the music world.
Unfortunately, many external martial artists do not understand this principle; they think that everyone outside is top-notch, without knowing.
The true meaning of a high-ranking master does not deign to participate in such childish competitions.
So, there's no need to mention someone like Yamamoto Ichio, who is already at the top level.
That's why Yamamoto Ichio, with his grandmaster-like demeanor, looks like an insignificant insect to Leaf Tian.
Leaf Tian sized him up and smiled, asking: "Sir, what makes you so confident that Ito Mina is a champion?"
Yamamoto Ichio said proudly: "I have been practicing martial arts for many years, and my understanding of martial arts far surpasses ordinary people. From my professional perspective, Mina is an exceptionally talented super star who has been trained by me herself."
Leaf Tian smiled and said: "Mr. Yamamoto, you're being too confident. What makes you think that your understanding of martial arts surpasses ordinary people? And what makes you think that your own skills are sufficient to produce a world champion?"
Yamamoto Ichio spoke sternly: "Kid, I know you have some skills, but your words are indeed somewhat too arrogant."
Leaf Tian smiled and said: "Whether or not you're being too arrogant, I believe it won't take long for you to realize."
"He looked at Ito Mina's astonished expression and smiled, saying: 'Mina-san, your foundation and meridians are indeed quite good. From our perspective in traditional Chinese martial arts, nearly half of your Dan Tian has opened up if not all. If it's fully opened, you'll have the opportunity to become an inner school disciple.'"
"What is Dan Tian?" Ito Mina asked in surprise: "Is this the Dan Tian mentioned in Chinese martial arts novels?"
Leaf Tian spoke sternly: "Martial arts are also based on traditional martial arts, just like the concept of Dan Tian inside. This concept was not introduced by the authors of martial arts novels but rather by ancient Chinese medical masters."
"As for your question about inner school disciples," Leaf Tian continued, "even if you practice in this way and continue to do so for 40-50 years, when you reach my level, you still won't have truly entered the gate of martial arts. The only way is to open up Dan Tian and then receive internal power transmission from a high-level inner school master."
Ito Mina asked again: "Is an inner school disciple's strength very strong?"
Yamamoto Ichio sneered: "Mina, don't listen to this young man's empty talk. So-called 'inner' and 'outer' schools are just one of many tricks in ancient Chinese martial arts. Don't you remember I showed you some old men and women who claimed to be Tai Chi masters?"
Ito Mina remembered: ""
Yamamoto Ichio jeered: "Some old ladies wear white Tai Chi robes, wave their hands, and can knock down 10-20 burly men. But it's all just a prearranged show. They arrange for 10-20 people to line up in front of them, one old lady at the forefront lightly punching out her palm, and then everyone gets knocked over on the ground. It looks mysterious and wonderful, but it's actually just a performance." JrNovels.com